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Enhance fed-batch productivity in CHO workflows

Late-stage fed-batch cultures often face a familiar challenge: as cell densities increase, specific productivity (qP) can decline, limiting final titers despite well-established feeding strategies. Addressing this drop-off typically requires re-optimizing feeds or redesigning the upstream platform, both of which are time- and resource-intensive. Functional additives offer an alternative approach. Gibco FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer is designed to support productivity late in culture by reinforcing nutrient availability, helping sustain qP in high-density Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) fed-batch workflows without changing the overall process design.


Benefits of Gibco FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer

Gibco FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer supports late-stage fed-batch CHO cultures by addressing productivity decline while preserving established process conditions.

 

Key benefits include:

  • High ingredient concentration for low-volume addition
  • pH-neutral formulation for stable bioreactor operation
  • Compatibility with standard fed-batch feeds and supplements
  • Working-volume control during supplementation
  • Minimal process adjustment for incorporation

Performance in fed-batch CHO processes

FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer has demonstrated titer increases of approximately 35–120% when applied to established fed-batch CHO processes or used as a partial feed replacement. These gains are associated with sustained qP through the later stages of culture rather than changes in growth or peak cell density, and they have been observed without extensive process re-optimization.

Figure 1. FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer increases titer by 110% and reduces required feed volume addition in bioreactor

Figure 2. FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer helps cells maintain protein expression longer in culture

Designed for late-stage productivity support

In fed-batch CHO cultures, productivity constraints often emerge after peak cell density is reached, when nutrient demand increases and conventional feeds may no longer sustain protein expression. FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer is intended for use in this late-stage production window, where intervention is effective. Applied during the production phase, it targets productivity loss without acting as a growth supplement or altering early culture conditions.

Maintain qP without increasing cell density


Observed titer gains with FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer are linked to maintaining qP over time rather than driving additional cell growth. By supporting continued protein expression later in culture, the additive helps extend the productive phase under established growth conditions. This allows higher output while keeping cell density profiles and growth behavior consistent with the original process design.

Integrate into existing feed strategies

FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer is designed to fit within established fed-batch feed strategies. It can be added alongside current feeds or used as a partial feed replacement, depending on process requirements. This approach allows late-stage nutrient support to be introduced without replacing core feeds or modifying feeding schedules and operating parameters.

Support bioreactor stability during titer enhancement


Late-stage supplementation often introduces risks to bioreactor control, particularly when additives require extreme-pH or high-volume additions. FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer is formulated for low-volume, pH-neutral use, enabling productivity support without disrupting established control strategies. As a result, teams can reinforce late-stage performance while maintaining consistent pH management and operating conditions throughout the fed-batch run.

Formats that support scale-up and tech transfer

FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer is available in both liquid and Advanced Granulation Technology (AGT) dry formats to support evaluation and use across development stages.

Liquid media

The liquid format is intended for small-scale evaluation and rapid process assessment. Supplied as a stable, ready-to-use formulation, it enables straightforward addition to fed-batch cultures without reconstitution or pH adjustment.
 

Advanced Granulation Technology

For programs moving beyond small-scale evaluation, the AGT format supports consistent use at larger volumes. The granulated format enables high ingredient concentration and long-term stability, while simple reconstitution with water reduces additional preparation steps.


Ordering information


Discover other feeds and supplements

Late-stage productivity support is one element of an effective fed-batch strategy. The Gibco feeds and supplements portfolio includes formulations designed to support nutrient delivery, metabolic control, and product quality at different stages of CHO culture.

Gibco EfficientFeed+ Supplements

As nutrient demand increases during fed-batch operation, concentrated feeds can help sustain culture performance without excessive volume addition. Gibco EfficientFeed+ Supplements are formulated to support ongoing cell growth and productivity across many CHO processes and feeding strategies.

Gibco GlycanTune Total Feeds

Gibco GlycanTune Total Feeds are designed to support control of glycan profiles in fed-batch CHO processes, enabling targeted adjustment of product quality attributes while maintaining consistent culture performance.

 

Explore mAb upstream solutions


Advance upstream performance by connecting feeding strategies to earlier development decisions that shape monoclonal antibody (mAb) process robustness. EfficientFeed+ Supplements fit within integrated CHO-based upstream workflows that combine cell line development, media and feed selection, and early bioreactor evaluation to address variability and support consistent scale-up.

Frequently asked questions

FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer should be considered when specific productivity declines late in high-cell-density fed-batch CHO cultures, despite stable growth and established feeding strategies. It is intended for use during the production phase, after peak cell density is reached, to support continued protein expression. The additive is not designed as a growth supplement or an early-stage feed component, but rather as targeted late-stage support.

FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer supports sustained qP during the later stages of fed-batch CHO culture, when productivity often declines despite stable cell growth. Observed titer increases are associated with maintaining protein expression over time rather than increasing peak cell density. By reinforcing nutrient availability during the production phase, the additive helps extend the productive window under existing growth and process conditions.

In established fed-batch processes, the additive can be used alongside current feeds or incorporated as a partial feed replacement, depending on process design and objectives. This flexibility allows late-stage nutrient support to be introduced without replacing core feeds, altering feeding schedules, or affecting upstream operating conditions.

FunctionMAX TiterEnhancer is formulated as a pH-neutral additive and used at low working volumes, helping maintain established bioreactor control conditions. It does not require pH adjustment prior to addition and avoids the operational challenges associated with extreme-pH supplements. This allows teams to support late-stage productivity without introducing additional pH control complexity during fed-batch operation.

As a chemically defined, animal origin–free (AOF) formulation, the product does not contain growth factors, hydrolysates, or other complex components. It is manufactured under cGMP conditions with documented raw materials and lot traceability, and a Drug Master File (DMF) reference is available upon request to support regulatory documentation and quality review activities.

Cell culture resources


The Cell Culture Resource Hub showcases technical documents, application notes, and workflow guides to evaluate media, feed strategies, and culture conditions across development and scale-up. These resources offer practical guidance for improving consistency and understanding how different formulations perform in upstream processes.

Advance mAb upstream workflows with FunctionMAX

For research use or further manufacturing. Not for diagnostic use or direct administration into humans or animals.